By: Gwyneth Passinault
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The University of Notre Dame Hockey team will finish off their three-week homestand with #2/2 Michigan on Friday at 7pm and Saturday at 6pm. This weekend marks an exciting one filled with festivities. Friday’s game is the annual with Hocktoberfest and Ralph M. DiVietro Memorial Associate Coach Andy Slaggert’s last game behind the Irish bench while Saturday’s contest features a whiteout game set to honor Rudy Chapman, who was an integral member of the team since 2018 before succumbing to his battle with cancer in July 2025.
The weekend marks the two programs’ 172nd all-time meeting. The Irish trail the all-time series by a 77-88-6 margin but have had recent success on home ice, holding a slim 34-33-2 advantage in South Bend. The last time the rivals met at Compton Family Ice Arena, the Irish skated to a 7-4 victory in January 2025.
This year’s matchup brings back a lot of familiar faces who found success in last year’s four game series. Five current Irish skaters tallied multiple points against the Wolverines a year ago, led by Cole Knuble’s five points on a goal and three assists. Brennan Ali also made a name for himself during the games, earning points in three of the four contests, including two goals and two assists. Meanwhile, Knuble and Danny Nelson each turned in three point nights in the series. The impressive offensive front of the Irish in last year’s contest will be continued into this year’s clash.
Last year’s Michigan team included one of the current Irish roster’s very own players, junior forward Evan Werner. In opposing colors last year, Werner tallied three goals against the Irish. Now with Notre Dame, Werner ranks third on the team with six points off of two goals and four assists and will look to make an impact from the other side of the rivalry this weekend.
With both teams expanding on the early season momentum and opening conference play, Friday night’s showdown in South Bend looks to deliver another memorable chapter in the Irish and Wolverine saga.
SERIES OVERVIEW
Opponent: #2/2 Michigan
Location: South Bend, Ind.
Schedule: Fri. 7pm ET | Sat. 6pm ET
TV: Peacock
Live Stats: FightingIrish.com
Radio: fightingirish.com/radioaffiliates/
Game Notes: Notre Dame